Latent Tuberculosis Infection among Healthcare Workers in Abidjan: Prevalence and Risk Factors for a Tertiary Hospital Cohort,

Healthcare workers in high tuberculosis burden countries face an elevated occupational risk of infection. Data on latent tuberculosis infection among healthcare workers in Côte d'Ivoire, particularly in major urban centres like Abidjan, remain scarce. This gap hinders the development of effective, targeted occupational health policies. This policy brief presents evidence on the prevalence and key risk factors for latent tuberculosis infection among healthcare workers in a tertiary hospital in Abidjan. Its objective is to inform hospital infection prevention and control policy and national occupational health guidelines for the healthcare sector. A cross-sectional study was conducted at a large tertiary hospital in Abidjan. A cohort of healthcare workers from various departments was tested for latent tuberculosis infection using tuberculin skin tests. Data on demographic and occupational risk factors were collected via structured questionnaires. Analysis determined prevalence and identified associated risk factors. The prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection among the healthcare worker cohort was 49%. A strong occupational gradient was observed: nurses and clinical support staff had significantly higher odds of testing positive compared to administrative staff. Longer duration of employment in healthcare was also a major risk factor. Latent tuberculosis infection is highly prevalent among healthcare workers in this Abidjan tertiary hospital, representing a significant occupational health issue. The risk is not uniform and is strongly linked to specific clinical roles and cumulative exposure time. Implement routine latent tuberculosis infection screening and preventive therapy programmes for high-risk healthcare worker groups. Strengthen infection prevention and control measures, particularly in high-exposure clinical areas. Develop and enforce national policies for tuberculosis occupational health protection in the healthcare sector. latent tuberculosis, healthcare workers, occupational health, infection prevention and control, Côte d'Ivoire, policy This brief provides crucial local evidence to guide occupational health policy and practice for protecting healthcare workers from tuberculosis in Côte d'Ivoire.